Anybody want a stock tip from me? How ’bout a weather forecast, or a tip on a good horse? Well, let’s just say I got another prediction wrong in Game 5.
Well, at least the final score was wrong. But the fact that I said I didn’t like the Avs’ chances and didn’t think they’d play too well pretty much came true, except for No. 60.

The best goaltending performance I ever saw was in the Miami Arena in 1996, when Patty Roy made 63 saves in the triple OT win to win the Cup in Game 4. I’ve seen many other great ones in the playoffs, but that was right up there last night.

Let’s face it, though: the Avs are going to have to be a lot better than that if they want to close out this series. Yes, all the cliches apply for tomorrow: desperate team, backs against the wall, fourth game is the toughest to win, blah blah. But teams that are down are most vulernable at the starts of games, and that’s where the Avs have to make their mark tomorrow.

I still don’t know about these Avs. They were dominated last night for two periods, so why shouldn’t I believe they still won’t lose this series? My pick of the Wild in six is up in smoke now, but I’m still going to stick with the Wild to win this thing. They might get Nick Schultz back for the next game, and that will make a difference on their defense.

And, how long can Gabby keep missing open nets?

I’ve been through too many Game 6 choke jobs by the Avs (six in all) through the years to start making dinner plans for the next city. Then again, I’ve also covered two Cup winners, so I’ve seen them close out plenty of series, too.

One positive sign if you’re an Avs fan is that this team doesn’t over-celebrate after wins. It was a calm, business-like locker room after that win last night. They know they stole it. But even after they dominated Game 4 and won, they had the same attitude. Teams that get too giddy after wins that aren’t for the championship almost always end up losers in the end. I don’t see that in this team.

Then again, who am I to predict?

**Keep up the bids to my book “Blood Feud.” The money will go to Hockey Fights Cancer. If the Avs play the Wings in the next round, I’ll probably be able to add another signature or two to it, before it’s won.To bid on the book, click(here[1].)